Catharine had now reached middle age; her personal charms had departed.

The death of every child save Mary may have woke scruples as to the lawfulness of a marriage on which a curse seemed to rest; the need of a male heir for public security may have deepened this impression.

But whatever were the grounds of his action we find Henry from this moment pressing the Roman See to grant him a divorce.
[Sidenote: The Divorce] It is probable that the matter was already mooted in 1525, a year which saw new proof of Anne's influence in the elevation of Sir Thomas Boleyn to the baronage as Lord Rochford.

It is certain that it was the object of secret negotiation with the Pope in 1526.

No sovereign stood higher in the favour of Rome than Henry, whose alliance had ever been ready in its distress and who was even now prompt with aid in money.